The Battle of Marathon (Yale Library of Military History)
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"It is hard to imagine that Krentz''s account of the events on that sweltering day can be improved on: the maddeningly elusive topography of the Marathon plain, in particular, has never been better treated."--Peter Thonemann, "The Times Literary Supplement"--Peter Thonemann "The Times Literary Supplement "
Product Description
How did the city-state of Athens defeat the invaders from Persia, the first world empire, on the plain of Marathon in 490 BCE? Scholars skeptical of our earliest surviving source, Herodotus, have produced one ingenious theory after another. In this stimulating new book, bound to provoke controversy, Peter Krentz argues that Herodotus was right after all. Beginning his analysis with the Athenians first formal contact with the Persians in 507 BCE, Krentz weaves together ancient evidence with travellers descriptions, archaeological discoveries, geological surveys, and the experiences of modern reenactors and soldiers to tell his story. Krentz argues that before Marathon the Athenian army fought in a much less organized way than the standard view of the hoplite phalanx suggests: as an irregularly armed mob rather than a disciplined formation of identically equipped infantry. At Marathon the Athenians equipped all their fighters, including archers and horsemen, as hoplites for the first time. Because their equipment weighed only half as much as is usually thought, the Athenians and their Plataean allies could charge almost a mile at a run, as Herodotus says they did. Krentz improves on Herodotus account by showing why the Athenians wanted to do such a risky thing.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Peter Krentz's book on Marathon is, I think, the best synopsis of the available evidence on the market. I am a fairly serious amateur historian; I read Ancient Greek, I know the sources, and I recently helped put together the 2500th Anniversary reenactment at Marathon. And, of course, I wrote a novel about it... Prof Krentz has provided some new evidence, especially new images from the Persian world, while reviewing the available evidence and even the historiographical evidence. Balanced, very informative, and careful, I appreciate Krentz's approach, his willingness to use all forms of evidence (archaeology, textual, and even the views of skilled reenactors.
And the book is a pleasure to read. I read it in two sittings; Krentz is not just a good historian but a good author. I cannot recommend this book too highly.
And the book is a pleasure to read. I read it in two sittings; Krentz is not just a good historian but a good author. I cannot recommend this book too highly.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Peter Krentz delivers a very calculated, assured, methodical and comprehensive argument which unpicks the contrary assertions of more modern historians, by challenging what has seemingly become the status quo of deriding contemporary historical sources, largely under the premise that they were prone to exaggeration (whether by personal, political or other influences). What the author achieves in his analysis, is an argument that accepts potential for bias and establishes the fact that no source is immune to criticism but that equally the evidence, in all its multifarious forms, together with a logical analysis of events, does (in his argument at least) tend to support the original claims recorded by Herodotus of the battle of Marathon.
The book is at no point preachy or derisive of other sources and acknowledges and puts forth other seemingly valid arguments and principles, which ostensibly bolster rather than undermine his argument and all of which are critiqued thoroughly and effectively but done so whilst never losing track of the main subject matter. This is a prime example of intelligent critique and highlights the importance of historical analysis as well as the necessity to review material continually in order that we never become complacent or arrogant in our accepted view of the past, as everything should be open to interpretation, for the very credibility of the discipline.
I prefer not to indulge too far into an analysis of the argument proposed as the author does this quite effectively themselves. What should be said however, is that this is a tremendously informative, objective and reasoned assessment of the battle of Marathon and the events surrounding it, which encompasses a mass of evidence whilst addressing the various perspectives involved. It also has a wider relevance with regard to how we address issues of contention today and how contrary opinions should be open to discussion and objective analysis in much the same way that our past is, rather than imposing and accepting rigid dogmas with which to make our arguments.
This book will provide excellent reading for the most devout as well as the more casual enthusiast, it's easily digestible and comprehensive in equal measure. I implore you to read it.
The book is at no point preachy or derisive of other sources and acknowledges and puts forth other seemingly valid arguments and principles, which ostensibly bolster rather than undermine his argument and all of which are critiqued thoroughly and effectively but done so whilst never losing track of the main subject matter. This is a prime example of intelligent critique and highlights the importance of historical analysis as well as the necessity to review material continually in order that we never become complacent or arrogant in our accepted view of the past, as everything should be open to interpretation, for the very credibility of the discipline.
I prefer not to indulge too far into an analysis of the argument proposed as the author does this quite effectively themselves. What should be said however, is that this is a tremendously informative, objective and reasoned assessment of the battle of Marathon and the events surrounding it, which encompasses a mass of evidence whilst addressing the various perspectives involved. It also has a wider relevance with regard to how we address issues of contention today and how contrary opinions should be open to discussion and objective analysis in much the same way that our past is, rather than imposing and accepting rigid dogmas with which to make our arguments.
This book will provide excellent reading for the most devout as well as the more casual enthusiast, it's easily digestible and comprehensive in equal measure. I implore you to read it.
4 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
I enjoyed this book, but unfortunately the Kindle edition on which I read it has none of the illustrations. Being directed to 'refer to printed edition' is increasingly frustrating.
Amazon- perhaps you would care to send me a printed edition as you so frequently suggest I refer to it?
An interesting book, but don't read it on a kindle.
Amazon- perhaps you would care to send me a printed edition as you so frequently suggest I refer to it?
An interesting book, but don't read it on a kindle.
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